While recently on a stroll with my dog, I was asked, “Why are you wearing such nice shoes?” A few responses came to mind: I love to dress up, I want to because they are nice and comfortable, or perhaps because I felt like it. Duh!
Most of us fall victim to the idea of buying pricey outfits that hang in the closet and gather dust while we go about our daily lives in cheaply made synthetics. Instead, I consider splurging on the basics as a better investment. Pieces that I can’t stop wearing and my hands gravitate to every morning. Clothes that make me feel MY “Luxe best”, are well crafted and last a lifetime.
Growing up in northern India, one of my fondest recollections from childhood was the seasonal ritual of packing and unpacking my clothes. The end of summer called for washing, folding, and storing our cotton and linens into trunks, while winter began with dry-cleaning the cashmere, silks, and pashminas. Synthetics were frowned upon and considered too “artificial” to be worn. The scent of naphthalene balls still evokes fond memories of a bygone era. I have since carried over those rituals to my life here in the Bay Area.
Wardrobe essentials, Everyday classics, or Luxe basics is how I approach my closet. These are the pieces I invest in and switch around depending on the day, mood, and season. I am not talking about trends but outfits that reflect your personality, lifestyle and are YOU! Ensembles that transition from morning meetings to lunch with girlfriends, from ubering your kids to whipping up family dinners or perhaps drinks with friends. Weather in the Bay Area is moderate, and today’s clothing is becoming seasonless, so I plan for layers.
One of my springtime essentials is vests, a versatile garment that provides the desired warmth and makes for an elevated look. They come in varied styles: puffer, fleece, sweater vest, fur, woven, etc. My go-to this season is the Naked Cashmere Knit Lexi vest in 100% Cashmere. I love the tailored waistcoat-inspired look that I can style as is; wear it over a turtleneck or with a white button-down for a more polished twist. The possibilities are endless. This vest will be a staple in my closet for years to come, but most importantly, it’s a brand committed to sustainable, traceable, and fair trade practices, a MUST for me, with a product quality to back it.
So how do YOU dress? What is your relationship with clothes?
After all my fashionistas friends, we live and breathe fashion, so rise up to the occasion.
XOXO – Namrita
On a quest for all things Beautiful, Well-crafted, Bespoke, Artisanal, and Sustainable.
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